People with Intellectual Disability (ID) constitute a vulnerable social group, making their physical health improvement a primary concern to all involved with their care. We constructed and evaluated a physical training intervention conducted twice per week for 4 consecutive months, consisting of activities and games to improve muscle strength, speed, balance and flexibility. Participants were 38 adults with intellectual disabilities divided into two groups: 1) the intervention group (n = 19) who participated in exercise training; and 2) the control group (n = 19) who engaged in no exercise training. All participants were evaluated on seven physical fitness tests, before and after implementation of the four-month training program. The present study was designed to improve certain aspects of fitness among adults with mild ID. The results showed that the mean anthropometric characteristics suggestive of better health and all physical fitness measures for the intervention group were reflected positive improvements at post-tests. The study showed that a structural physical exercise program can improve physical fitness of adults with mild intellectual disabilities, especially muscle strength and endurance, balance, flexibility, speed and cardio-respiratory endurance, in order to promote a more active and healthier way of life.

According to
Merrick, Kandel, & Morad (2003)
, many persons with severe and profound ID have been associated with medical problems and disease. In a review (
Merrick, 2002
) of mortality in this population in Israel for the period 1991-1997, 60% of 450 persons studied died before the age of 41 years, and for persons in the severe-profound group, this figure was 68%. Cardiovascular problems accounted for 35% of these deaths, respiratory disease for 25%, and infectious diseases for 9%. People with ID have an increased prevalence of osteoporosis and increased fractures due to immobility, nutrition, and lack of activity (
Center, Beange, & McElduff, 1999
). Given these threats to average life expectancy in this group, improving these individuals’ physical fitness is of crucial importance. Failing to engage in physical activities may create many serious risks and dangers for people with ID, including muscle and bone injuries, development of diabetes type 2, obesity, hypertension and neuromuscular disorders (
Vuori, 2004
). These problems can be fatal, not only for people with ID but for people without disability (
Draheim, 2006
). Systematic participation in physical activities may benefit cardiorespiratory functioning and reduce such possible risks as high blood pressure and abnormal serum lipids, leading to reduced mortality rates (
Lotan, Yalon-Chamovitz, & Weiss, 2009
).

Earlier studies reported beneficial effects of exercise for adults with ID, citing statistically significant reductions in weight (especially among those with mild ID) and BMI scores, and positive improvements in V-shape sit and reach tests and sit up tests (
Wu et al., 2010
). Benefits of physical activity were also observed in balance, strength, endurance and health self-perception (
Carmeli et al., 2005
). Improved physical fitness can promote a more active lifestyle, reduce health problems, and increase the likelihood of paid employment and non-institutionalized community living for individuals with ID (
Chanias et al., 1998
;
Frey et al., 2008
). Group exercising can help people with ID increase self-esteem and may be important paths for socialization and cooperation with other people sharing the same disability (
Guidetti et al., 2010
).

Performance on fitness evaluation tests has been shown to be influenced by such personal characteristics as gender, age and the level of ID (
Pitetti, Yarmer, & Fernhall, 2001
;
Skowronski et al., 2009
). Unfortunately, however, there is little available information about physical fitness capacity or the use of various different fitness intervention training programs for adults with ID. In the ID literature there is a research gap with respect to what physical training intervention may be most beneficial and effective for significantly improving physical fitness with this population.

So far, most studies have shown improvement in balance and strength from non-standardized physical exercise interventions. Past research has suggested that sufficiently long intervention program duration is crucial for beneficial results. In most studies programs varied from 6 to 12 weeks in length (e.g.,
Borremans, Rintala, & Kielinen, 2009
used a 12-week physical exercise program;
Davis, Zhang, & Hodson, 2011
used an 8-week adapted physical activity program;
Giagazoglou et al., 2012
used a 10-week hippotherapy program;
Giagazoglou et al., 2013
used a 12-week trampoline exercise intervention program;
Rahmat & Hasan, 2013
used a 6-week exercise program;
Tsimaras & Fotiadou, 2004
used a 12-week training program; and
Wang et al., 2007
used a 12-week aquatic program), but this duration may not be enough to show effective and stable physical fitness improvement. In the context of this past literature, the present study sought to: 1) identify the initial physical fitness level of a group of adults with mild ID; and 2) evaluate the effects of a specific exercise training program, developed by Eurofit standardized measurements on these participants’ physical fitness levels.

The basic hypothesis was that certain differences were between the 2 teams (experimental and control) on the variables measured after fitness training program.

2. Method

2.1. Power Analysis

The desired participant sample size for this study was estimated using G*power software (version 3.0) (
Charan & Biswas, 2013
;
Faul et al., 2007
). We sought to detect a small to moderate interaction effect (Eta2 = 0.05) in a univariate repeated measure design (G*Power: Statistical Power Analyses for Windows and Mac―Available in website http://www.gpower.hhu.de/). This analysis suggested that a sample size of 19 per group would be needed to achieve about 90% power at the 0.05 significance level. This sample size provided adequate statistical power for analyzing fitness exercise effects with moderate to strong effect sizes in the areas of muscle strength, speed, balance and flexibility. Attrition rate of the sample has been thoroughly estimated and documented (
Gustavson et al., 2012
), and we recruited a total of 19 participants per group to account for potential attrition.

2.2. Participants

We recruited a convenience sample of thirty-eight adults (N = 38; 10 female and 28 male), with mild intellectual disabilities (MID) from September until January (16 weeks). They were attending a daily care and training centre of adults with disabilities in the southern region of Greece, named “K.E.E.P.E.A. HORIZONS”. IQ scores extracted from the personal files of the participants, were used to classify the adults into MID groups (IQ scores= 55 - 70) according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder IV Text Revision (
American Psychiatric Association, 2000
). The age range of participants was 28 to 45 years and the IQ score range was 55 ± 9. The exclusion criteria of the study were adults with musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory problems, adults with more than one disability, like spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, sensory impairment, epileptic episodes, severe disorders of mental illness and autistic spectrum disorders, so that we can avoid possible complications or injuries.

Participants were equally divided into groups in accordance with their height, weight, BMI and mild intellectual level. They lived at home; they were not institutionalized and were members of the same training context. The intervention group (n = 19; 5 females and 14 males) received an intensive 16-week exercise training program, whereas the control group (n = 19; 5 females and 14 males) did not receive the intensive program.

The study was approved by the Laboratory of Adapted Physical Activity/Developmental and Physical Disabilities of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Written informed consent was obtained from all parents’ participants or their legal guardians after a detailed description of the research procedures was provided.

2.3. Measures

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Assessment of static balance was performed using the Flamingo Balance Test. The task requires the participant to balance successfully on a single leg on a narrow-base beam 50 centimeters long, four centimeters high and three centimeters wide, coated with five millimeter thick non-slip material. The number of successful attempts to maintain balance for 60 seconds is recorded. Speed of hand movement was evaluated using the Plate Tapping Test. For this test, participants had to stand in front of a table on which there were two rubber disks 20 centimeters in diameter. The disks were 60 centimeters apart from each other. A rectangular plate was placed between them. Participants had to make 25 rapid single hand circles around the disks as fast as possible, moving their preferred hand right and left between the two disks. The non-preferred hand that was not used in the task had to be placed on the rectangular plate. The test was conducted two trials, and the researcher recorded the best score.

Flexibility was evaluated with the Sit and Reach Test. The participant was required to sit down and places his/her flanges against a box (45 × 35 × 32 cm) and reach as far in front as possible, with knees stretched. We conducted the test two times, and recorded the longest reach, defined by how far the fingertips were placed on a scale on top of the box.

Assessment of strength involved two components: 1) explosive leg strength was calculated from performance on the Standing Broad Jump Test; the participant performed a two-footed long jump twice, and we recorded the longest jump in centimeters; and 2) static hand strength was evaluated with the Handgrip Test; the participant held a dynamometer with his/her preferred hand and gripped its handle as hard as possible for two seconds, and we recorded results in kilograms from the best of two efforts.

Assessment of endurance was also evaluated with two tasks: 1) abdominal muscle endurance was assessed using the Sit-up Test requiring the participant to perform as many sit-ups as possible in 30 seconds, with one’s knees at right angles and feet on the floor; we recorded the number of complete sit-ups performed within the stipulated time period, with a complete sit up cycle encompassing the period from starting position to sitting up and returning to the starting position; 2) Cardio-respiratory endurance was evaluated from the 10 × 5 meter Shuttle Run in which the participant was required to run five back and forth 10 meter distances as fast as possible; we recorded running time in seconds. The Tanita Body Fat Monitor (BC-545N model) and the Ultimate Scales (Tanita Corporation of America, Inc., Arlington Heights, IL) were used to measure body composition (fat and Visc fat). The Tanita BIA system provides a reliable and valid measurement and uses the variables of height, weight and impedance to determine body fat percentage in adults (2005). Measurement included scales for valid numbers and to avoid miscalculations. Tanita uses leg-to-leg bioelectrical impedance analysis (
BIA, 1996
) which is a relatively simple, quick (takes only a few minutes), quick and non-invasive technique, with minimal intra- and inter-observer variability (
Ritchie, Miller, & Smiciklas-Wright, 2005
).

2.4. Procedure

We employed a quasi-experimental nonequivalent-control-group design (Pre-test―Intervention―Post-test) in this study, deemed to be particularly appropriate in educational research (
Thomas, Nelson, & Silverman, 2005
). First, in the pre-test period all participants were evaluated with Eurofit Physical Fitness Test Battery (7 subtests) in order to identify their physical fitness levels in four areas: balance skills, strength, endurance and speed. Participants were randomly divided into two groups. Groups were randomly assigned to either the Intervention or Control group.

The Intervention Group received an intensive 16-week exercise training program, whereas the Control Group received no training program and were simply asked to continue their physical activity as usual. The exercise intervention program was performed two days a week, for four consecutive months. The two training sessions each week were 60-minutes each and were comprised of a variety of motor activities designed to target speed, muscle strength, balance, coordination and endurance. Tests were conducted either at the courtyard or gym of the daily care and training center which offered all facility requirements (health and sanitary requirements, adequate space, lighting, proper flooring, sufficient equipment and accessories, measuring instruments). There were no session drop-outs, though some participants needed encouragement to continue the tasks. The physical education teachers were responsible for each training session, and the investigator was always present for interventions offered.

2.5. Exercise Training Program

The training sessions was developed based on seven (7) standardized Eurofit motor tests taking into account the Eurofit pre-test research results. Particular characteristics of individuals with intellectual disabilities also were considered. Then, a 16-week standardized training exercise protocol was decided upon and developed by the researchers, based on the expected progression of training from initial to improvement stages after the implementation of the intervention program. The training program included two training sessions per week (60 minutes per session), each consisting of warm-up, flexibility, strength, stability training, and cardio and cool down. The exercises were divided into three parts (12 sections), as shown in Table 1.

The 60-minutes training sessions were targeted to improve speed, muscle strength, balance, coordination and endurance of the participants, and they emphasized upper and lower limbs muscles, trunk, shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers, abdominal muscles, hip and knees. Two physical education teachers were trained to deliver the intervention protocol before implementing the study.

2.6. Statistical Analysis

All data analyses were performed with version 21.0 of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), and statistical significance for group comparisons was set at p < 0.05 (
Norusis, 2012
). The study was a two-group randomized controlled trial with repeated measures using gender as a stratifying factor. First, descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, range) were calculated for all participants (n = 38) on all variables. Second, repeated measures analysis of variance (RMANOVA) was used to examine the participants’ pre- and post-training measurements. Lastly, discriminant function analysis was used: 1) to determine which variables significantly dissociated the two groups; and 2) to determine the number of participants that classified at each level of physical fitness on the tested variables. All variables were tested for statistically significant group-by-time interactions.

3. Results

As noted above, there was no subject attrition from the intervention, possibly due to the relatively short-term program (4 months exercise training). Means and standard deviations for all anthropometric characteristics (weight, fat, visc

fat, BMI) and other participants’ descriptive characteristics of are shown in Table 2. The results show that the mean anthropometric characteristics suggestive of better health and all physical fitness measures for the intervention group were reflected positive improvements at post-tests (after intervention).

The results of RMANOVA showed that the two groups were significantly different on specific tests both before and after intervention. Initially, RMANOVA (p < 0.05) showed that the major effect of the intervention were statistically significant―Wilks’ L = 0.040, F = (22.8) = 8.63, p < 0.002, η2 = 0.960―and the main effects of the subtests were statistically significant for each measure. Subsequent comparisons showed that the largest differences (p < 0.05) in performance between two groups after the intervention program were recorded in the following subtests: 1) Plate Tapping Test2, 2) Sit-up Test2, 3) Standing Broad Jump Test2, 4) Sit and Reach Test2, 5) Shuttle Run2. The results of RMANOVA for two groups (intervention and control) are shown in Table 3.

Then, discriminant analysis of variance was applied to determine: 1) the variables significantly separating the two groups; and 2) the number of participants, categorized properly (correctly classified) to the level of fitness (fitness or not) according to the variables measured after intervention exercise training program.

The results showed that three subtests “Sit and Reach Test2” (intervention group M = 18.16/control group M = 8.75), “Shuttle Run2” (intervention group M = 295.53/control group M = 393.5) and “Standing Broad Jump Test2” (intervention group M = 93.21/control group M = 46.00) significantly distinguished the two groups. The normal correlation coefficient (canonical correlation coefficient) was 0.83, −0.70 and 0.07, respectively, indicating that these variables explained 83.9% of the total dispersion (percentage of correct classification based on three subtests). The overall results of discriminant analysis of variance are shown in Table 4.

Table 4. Results of discriminant analysis of variance according to category (intervention and control group).

*p < 0.05; **p < 0.01.

Also, there was an indication of statistically significant differences between genders. MANOVA showed a significant effect of gender on the dependent variables of the research (Wilks’ L = 0.001, F = (17.1) = 62.41, df = 17, p = 0.008 < 0.05, η2 = 0.999). Discriminant analysis of variance showed that women benefited more than men from their participation in the intervention program mainly on two anthropometric characteristics weight2 (p = 0.003) and fat2 (p = 0.001). The results of the analysis by gender are shown in Table 5.

4. Discussion

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The study investigated: 1) the differences between two groups of adults with mild ID (intervention and control) through pre and post exercise intervention program; and 2) the variables could distinguish significantly the two groups after intervention program. Αs it was expected, higher levels of physical fitness and some improvement on anthropometry characteristics observed in the intervention group after completed the 4 months training.

Statistical analysis showed significant improvement on anthropometry characteristics on all individuals that participated in intervention program, specifically, on weight, fat and BMI. Also, data showed that intervention group improved their fitness levels significantly on the following five tests: “Plate Tapping Test”, “Sit and Reach Test”, “Standing Broad Jump Test”, “Sit-up Test”, and “Shuttle Run”. Further analysis showed that “sit up test” was the most significant variable that substantially separated the two groups (intervention and control group). Results were also statistically significant according to the effect of gender; specifically, women benefited more than men on weight and fat loss.

Our results agree with the findings of previous studies in adults with mild ID indicated that structural physical training program had positive effects on muscle

Table 5. Results of discriminant analysis of variance according to anthropometric characteristics by gender.

The duration of an intervention training program has crucial importance for results. A 6-months intervention program of adults with mild ID has a better perception of well-being, as well as balance and strength improvement (
Carmeli et al., 2005
). In our study the minimum weight loss that observed may be due to intervention program’s limited time. Similar result has been found in other studies (
Fragala et al., 2005
;
Ozmen et al., 2007
;
Wu et al., 2010
).

The present results support the selection of appropriate and task-specific standardized exercises which can improve specific physical skills and fitness levels of individuals with ID. The development of Adapted Physical Activity programs tailored to individual needs is necessary in the daily care and training centers of adults with disabilities, with the aim of promoting an active lifestyle. According to our research findings, we recommend a specialized training program for people with mild ID that improves muscle strength, aerobic endurance, weight loss and muscle endurance for more than 4 months (16 weeks) to see if there will be an even more improvement and advantages.

5. Limitations

The limitations of the present study concern the small number of our sample and also the difficulties to control all factors that could affect the training procedure such as, motivation, interest in participation and health condition. For all these reasons, it is needed further investigation. It’s easy to assume that a more playful exercise program would get their interest to participate and finally to be a way of life for these people. Also, in the present study participated only adults with ID. However, there are many other syndromes accompanied by ID, like DS (Down syndrome) with large differences in the pathophysiological characteristics, so it’s not possible to generalize the findings of our study for these accompanied syndromes.

Another limitation was the difficulty to minimize the outdoor activities of the participants. However, the data on the Table 2 present about whether the intervention and control group were different before the intervention. Obviously, the intervention group was not already more athletic than the control group.

The last limitation was the diet followed by each participant. Each participant had their own everyday intake in calories without any restriction of what they have to eat. With the intervention program we wanted to see better results on anthropometry characteristics such as weight loss, fat loss and improvement of BMI but with this factor the outcome was not the expected.

6. Conclusion

In conclusion, the present study showed improvements in muscle strength and endurance, balance, flexibility, speed and cardio-respiratory endurance as well as in anthropometry characteristics, such as weight, fat and BMI by adults with mild ID who participated in a four-month (16-week) standardized intervention physical exercise program.

This provides evidence that a standardized physical exercise and specific training program can be an effective intervention for improving fitness levels of adults with mild ID. So, individuals with ID could be more active in order to participate in outdoor activities of their community, promoting their integration with people without disabilities, improving their physical fitness levels they can deal with everyday activities with greater ease, and following a well-being and healthier way of life.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all the adults with intellectual disabilities as well the adapted physical education teacher that contributed to conduct this study. We would also like to thank the director of the daily care and training centre titled K.E.E.P.E.A. HORIZONS who gave us the permission to use the center’s facilities.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper.